Strengthening Part I

In the dense forest.

Surrounded by dark green grass, a tall figure clad in protective gear and a helmet swiftly made its way in a certain direction through the woods.

Every now and then, the figure would stop, bend over to tear some weeds from the ground, and stuff them into a cloth bag.

Wearing leather gloves and sturdy boots, the helmet tightly wrapped around their head, only a pair of eyes and a set of nostrils was visible, resembling a fully armored knight from the medieval period.

A short dagger was fastened at their lower back, and their eyes continuously scanned the surroundings with vigilance.

Before long, a grey-white stone house gradually came into view ahead.

There was a circular wooden fence surrounding the stone house.

A short-haired man with an even more robust figure in camouflage was arranging something within the fence.

Upon catching sight of the approaching figure, the man's face broke into a habitual smile.

"Brother Yu, you've come again?"